Therapeutic Recreation and Inclusion Specialist

SUMMARY:
The Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board is seeking a compassionate Therapeutic Recreation and Inclusion Specialist to provide safe and dependable direct support and inclusion services to individuals of all ages with disabilities in recreation programs and school age childcare to ensure accessible and accommodating recreation programming in line with ADA guidelines. Maintain best practices in adaptive and inclusive programming to meet the needs of diverse communities, in alignment with the MPRB mission, vision and strategic goals. Assist in the development and implementation of therapeutic recreation and adaptive programs and services.

Established in 1883, the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB) oversees a renowned urban park system spanning 7,059 acres of parkland and water. Featured among its 185 park properties are 55 miles of parkways, 102 miles of Grand Rounds biking and walking paths, 22 lakes, 12 formal gardens, 7 golf courses and 49 recreation centers. The MPRB is proud to provide services, programs and activities that meet the park and recreation needs of diverse communities and ensure race equity, gender inclusion and universal access. Altogether, MPRB properties receive about 30 million visitors annually, and employs approximately 617 full-time and 1,400 part-time and seasonal employees.

Park it here for an exciting career! Since 2013, MPRB has been recognized among the top five urban park systems in the United Statesby the Trust for Public Land. It is accredited by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies (CAPRA)— one of three park agencies in Minnesota and fewer than 200 in the United States with this distinction for excellence in operations and service.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Provide direct support to participants of all abilities in recreation programs ensuring the program environment is inclusive and accessible to all.
• Assist the Therapeutic Rec and Inclusion Coordinator in the development of individual accommodation plans and the identification of resources to enhance therapeutic programs and inclusion services.
• Strategically work variable hours at program specific sites city-wide and maintain communication of relevant information with the Therapeutic Rec and Inclusion Coordinator; have reliable transportation to travel between sites daily.
• Travel to and from various MPRB sites based on departmental staffing coverage and needs.
• Work collaboratively with Recreation Center staff to meet the needs of participants and community members with disabilities.
• Ensure that the Americans with Disabilities Act regulations are met or exceeded where applicable.
• Assist MPRB in identifying and addressing the park and recreation needs of underserved and under-represented communities.

WHAT TO BRING:

Need to Have:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Experience providing direct care to individuals of all ages with disabilities in a community setting: at least two (2) years (if programs were only part-time, equivalency must be to two years of full-time work).
• Must possess and maintain a valid Minnesota driver’s license with good driving record at time of application and during employment.
• An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be considered.

Nice to Have:

• Two (2) years of coursework from an accredited college or university with a major in Therapeutic Recreation, child/youth development, education, health, physical education, special education, recreation or closely related field.

Licensing Requirements:

• CPR Certification within three (3) months of hire.
• First Aid Certification within three (3) months of hire.

Skills Crucial to Success in This Role:

• Knowledge of best practices for working with children, youth and adults, with particular focus on serving families of and individuals with disabilities.
• Knowledge of cultural competence in engaging with people from diverse communities.
• Ability to thoroughly evaluate program alternatives and make recommendations for improvements in MPRB programs and services, with particular focus on therapeutic and inclusion recreation.
• Ability to set appropriate priorities while coordinating multiple projects and meeting critical deadlines.
• Outstanding customer service principles and practices and standards for a diverse customer base.

Schedule:
10% work performed in a normal office environment. 90% directly with participants

• 90% of work will be done in the field providing direct support to participants with disabilities.
• 10% of work will be performed in an office setting contributing to administrative functions of the department.

Will be required to work an alternate work schedule including mornings, evenings, weekends and holidays. Typical working hours fall between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm based on programmatic needs. Staff work 8 hours/day with a maximum of 40 hours per week. Depending on program schedules, staff may be asked to work occasional weekend hours.